Archive for the ‘minneapolis spanish’ Category
Workplace Languages, LLC offers a variety of ways to help you learn a little Spanish. Offering conversational Spanish and also Industry-Specific Spanish (Survival Spanish for the Construction Industry, Survival Spanish for Landscapers, Survival Spanish for Restaurant Mangagement … ).
Talk live over Skpe with one of our instructors in Nicaragua or have one of trainers present onsite at your company. Let us help “close the communication gap” and get you up and speaking. We offer One-Day Survival Spanish Seminars and also eight-week courses. Workplace Languages, LLC also specializes in functional workplace ESL classes for all employees with Limited English Proficiency.
Call today Toll Free at 1-866-330-9419 or learn more by visiting www.WorkplaceLanguages.com.
Workplace Languages, LLC is offering a special discount through the end of October with our Online Spanish over Skype with our instructors in Nicaragua. Learn more details at: http://www.workplacelanguages.com/Samples/Online_Spanish_over_Skype_Offer.pdf
These are tips that we have shared in various ESL classes & “awareness” workshops. Simple guidelines when working with employees with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).
Communicate to the main idea – Keep phrases and sentences as simple as possible. Don’t’ use broken English.
- Think of at least one other way to rephrase what you want to say.
Avoid asking “yes/no” questions or asking “Do you understand?” Remember to ask “wh-“ questions or open-ended questions to check comprehension:
i.e. Instead of asking, “Did you talk to your supervisor?” ask, “Who did you talk to?”
In place of, “Do you work tomorrow?” you could say, “When are you free / off this week?”
The point is to ask a question in a way to elicit a specific response and not just a “yes/no” answer.
When they are speaking to you:
- Invite them to speak slowly.
- Give them time to communicate.
Ask yourself:
- Am I doing all I can to be understood? SHOW then what you want.
- Am I trying to learn about my employees both personally and culturally?
Please don’t:
- Assume that a lack of English proficiency indicates that lack of intelligence.
- Assume that inability to express thoughts clearly means workers can’t understand you.
This is a wonderful article that was just forwarded to me by a colleague. It is from the Inside Training Newsletter.
Language of Training Myths
As it is, your learners sometimes look at you like you’re speaking the language of an alien from outer space, so why would you think training them in the languages spoken in other parts of the world would be easy? According to corporate relocation specialist Cartus, myths run rampant in language training. Here are five of the biggest of these misconceptions:
Myth 1: You don’t need to speak the local language to do business. Never underestimate the value of the local lingo, says Cartus. “Surviving a business trip to another country will require you to read signs and communicate with drivers, servers, and merchants, none of whom will offer translation options,” the vendor advises. “When business travelers learn the basics of the local language, it demonstrates their respect and interest in the culture and makes it easier to function independently abroad.”
Myth 2: You can learn a language in two weeks.Contrary to what some language products’ marketers would like you to believe, there’s no quick fix when learning a new language, Cartus points out. “Getting to an intermediate level takes on average 180 to 240 hours of study; at an hour of dedicated study per day, that’s a minimum of six months. If you’re learning a new language for business purposes, you’ll want a training program that’s designed specifically for business applications, with a focus on speaking and listening skills,” the vendor advises. “Most academic or e-learning programs churn out learners who have some reading and writing ability but who have a hard time translating those skills during impromptu communication. We recommend training with a live instructor, if your schedule allows. In this way, you can build a program that’s customized to your needs and specific challenges, and you can grow at a pace you determine. This helps maintain motivation.”
Myth 3: E-learning is faster.E-learning offers the convenience of an anytime, anywhere program, but in the business world, context is key, says Cartus. “Online training is great for beefing up vocabulary and understanding the fundamentals, but unless your online program includes skilled trainers, you may unknowingly learn an inappropriate use of the language, and this could hurt more than help,” the vendor stresses. “If you can’t commit to a series of live language lessons, find a provider whose online training is supplemented by access to a live instructor who’ll correct your mistakes before they can be held against you.”
Myth 4: Language training is language training; one size fits all. Learning a language for business is a far cry from learning a language in school or for a vacation on the Italian Riviera, Cartus notes. “New trends in language training offer approaches that can be tailored to your learning needs. Advanced learners require a more customized approach that focuses on technical and stylistic language skills, from learning business vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to fine-tuning grammar to running a conference call for an audience from a specific culture,” the vendor says. “You have options when it comes to language training; choose one that fits your level, goals, and business needs.”
Myth 5: Language “fluency” is the ultimate goal.Technical fluency in a language will get you only so far, says Cartus. “Language and culture are so hardwired that being able to quickly conjure grammatically correct phrases is only half the battle. Idiomatic language, body language, accent, use of emotion, humor, and cultural protocol are all essential components of ‘fluency,’” the vendor emphasizes. “In a business setting, you need to understand and use these aspects accurately to make an impact. When working in another language and culture, your productivity, effectiveness, and status as an employee will be influenced by your ability to communicate holistically. Make it a point to build on your language skills constantly to ensure that what you’re communicating—and what you’re interpreting—are on target. Your success depends on it.”
Workplace Languages, LLC is offering its Online Survival Spanish Classes at a special discounted rate through September. Take a class for free over Skype with one of our translators in Nicaragua. Please check out our special at: http://www.workplacelanguages.com/Samples/Online_Spanish_over_Skype_Offer.pdf
Workplace Languages, LLC now offers over 100 languages and has a network of close to 300 written translators that are internationally based. Try a short translation for free (you choose the target language) or get a free quote from us within 24 hours.
Time is Money. I often get questions from clients about the advantages of “grammar-less” language learning. The simple answer is time. Many busy professionals don’t have time or patience to learn all of the nuances of another language. The traditional approach to language learning can take years. I have taught Spanish & ESL at a number of colleges and I know what doesn’t work: bogging students down with so much grammar that they are reluctant to speak.Whether it’s taking online language lessons or using bilingual training products to facilitate learning, I found that teaching managers basic phrases in Spanish or other languages that were specific to their needs not only helps get jobs done but resulted in workers who felt more respected and motivated. Bottom line: companies retain better employees. This can be achieved in a fraction of the time of traditional language learning programs. After all, time is money……..
I just want to thank: Pizza Hut, Papa John’s International, Sdoexo and Outback Steakhouse for all participating in our five-week (30 minutes 2X/week) Online Spanish Program. It was a huge success and we are extremely grateful for their involvement.
We are excited to announce that starting in April Workplace Languages will be holding Workplace ESL / Job Readiness classes and also Survival Spanish for Today’s Workforce. The job readiness / workplace ESL class will be for anyone with limited English proficiency and will cover the topics of: Health, Employment, Education, Finances, Housing, Shopping / Major Purchases and Transportation. Our Survival Spanish for the Workplace will be for all managers, supervisors and anyone needing to communicate with their Spanish-speaking staff.
Both classes will be held at 844 Grand in St. Paul. The ESL class will be on Tuesdays, starting April 7th, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm and the Survival Spanish for the Workplace will be on Thursdays, starting April 9th, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm also.
Call 651-330-9419 for more details.